be more than just a pretty face

To have distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. (The assertion that someone is also very attractive is sometimes meant to be humorous rather than literal.) Yeah, I know how to fix your computer. I'm more than just a pretty face, you know! A: "I didn't know Jerry had a PhD in engineering." B: "I guess he's more than just a pretty face." You'll never be more than just a pretty face if you don't start using your brain in school!

more than just a pretty face

Having distinguishing achievements, intelligence, skills, or abilities beyond what was or may have been assumed. (The assertion that someone is also very attractive is sometimes meant to be humorous rather than literal.) Yeah, I know how to fix your computer. I'm more than just a pretty face, you know! The actor was a teen heartthrob when he was younger, but he has a PhD in engineering now. I guess he's become more than just a pretty face.

pretty face, more than a/not just a

Describing a person with more substance than mere physical beauty. Dating from the second half of the 1900s, the phrase was used for the title of a biography of screen actress Hedy Lamarr by Courtney Baalman (May 1999), which described her as a woman accomplished in many fields. In 2004, Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, known for his good looks, was described as “not just a pretty face” by columnist Laura Lasky. A Wall Street Journal article about women winning more seats in the Czech parliament was headlined “More Than Just Pretty Faces” (July 9, 2010). And an ad for a hand-crafted fireplace door read, “Face It. Not Just Another Pretty Face.”